New BUP Director of Pediatrics and Research - Dr. Merrian Brooks

It is with great pleasure that we announce that Dr. Merrian Brooks will serve as the new BUP Director of Pediatrics and Research beginning on July 1, 2021. 

Dr. Brooks is a graduate of the Ohio University Heritage College of Osteopathic Medicine and holds a master in clinical sciences on comparative research and health disparities from University of Pittsburgh. She completed a residency in pediatrics from Cooper University Hospital and a clinical fellowship in adolescent medicine at Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh. During her time in Botswana she has performed a multitude of critical tasks, such as working as a pediatrics specialist at Princess Marina Hospital, consulting in adolescent clinics, training and mentoring UB MMed and medical students, and advising on the health needs of adolescents in the policy making arena. Additionally, Dr. Brooks has focused her research and scholarship on the development and evaluation of interventions that seek to reduce anxiety and depression in adolescents living with HIV through counseling and peer support. Since her arrival in Botswana, Dr. Brooks has proved herself to be an outstanding clinician and educator, a disciplined and creative investigator, a devoted advocate for her patients, and a loyal partner to her Batswana colleagues. 

Dr. Brooks will replace Dr. Tonya Arscott-Mills, who has served outstandingly as BUP Director of Pediatrics and Research for the past six years and to whom goes our deep gratitude and profound appreciation for the impressive legacy that she leaves behind.

Please join us in warmly and enthusiastically welcoming Dr. Brooks and wishing her all the best for a future that we have no doubt will bring many great things to BUP and Botswana.